Two La Crosse County fire departments are working together to provide better service in the Coulee Region. First News at Nine’s Alex Loroff breaks down the new partnership between the city of La Crosse and the village of Holmen. The Holmen Area Fire Department is looking to improve its service through a partnership with La Crosse. The La Crosse City Council approved a contract last week that combines the leadership of the La Crosse and Holmen fire departments. La Crosse Fire Chief Ken Gilliam says the memorandum of understanding (MOU) creates a joint administration. “The MOU is really set up initially just to get our foot in the door there, provide them some stability and leadership and a broader administrative group to help them with some hurdles they’re facing,” Gilliam explained.